In addition to the statements of Thomas J. Kneir, Deputy Assistant Director, Criminal Investigative Division FBI on International African Crime (article 051301b), we would like to make all visitors aware that there is a ring of international criminals operating out of countries such as Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Ivory Coast with associates in the United States, Canada, UK and Australia. Specific to this notice, their target is usually business people who export products and are willing to accept payment in the form of checks or credit cards.

Their mode of operation usually follows:

- A quote, bid or tender for your products is requested
- usually ask for a sample of the product to be sent
- advance, non-refundable fees are requested to present the bid
- if the targetted individual sends either advance fees, samples or bank information the perpetrators disappear with your money or goods and may attempt to deplete your bank account.
- if they don't receive up-front monies or sample product, they will persist by placing the order and prepaying for it with stolen checks, credit cards, etc. hoping that the product will be shipped before the fraud is discovered.

Our advice if you are suspicious about any transaction from West Africa:

- visit the FBI site at www.fbi.gov, or United States Secret Service, International Fraud Crime Division, www.treas.gov/usss
- document all communications about the suspicious transaction
- warn fellow associates, banks, and suppliers
- contact your local police authorities with as much information as you have
- investigate the prospective clients BEFORE entering into any transaction
- DO NOT send money or goods

In response to this growing epidemic, the United States Secret Service established "Operation 4-1-9" designed to target Nigerian Advance Fee Fraud on an international basis. The Financial Crimes Division of the Secret Service receives approximately 100 telephone calls from victims/potential victims and 300-500 pieces of related correspondence per day.

Secret Service agents have been assigned on a temporary basis to the American Embassy in Lagos to address the problem in that arena. Agents have established liaison with Nigerian officials, briefed other embassies on the widespread problem, and have assisted in the extrication of U.S. citizens in distress.

If you have been victimized by one of these schemes, please forward appropriate written documentation to the United States Secret Service, Financial Crimes Division, 950 H Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20001, or telephone (202) 406-5850, or contact by e-mail.

If you have received a letter, but have not lost any monies to this scheme, please fax a copy of that letter to (202) 406-5031.

Continued... Combating International African Crime (Part II)